Pulse is now streaming on Netflix, and it isn’t exactly sending hearts racing.

Netflix’s first-ever English-language medical procedural, from Emmy winner Carlton Cuse and writer Zoe Robyn, is pitched as the platform’s answer to Grey’s Anatomy.

However, mixed reactions on social media and a disappointing score of 48% on reviews aggregate site Rotten Tomatoes are causing the show to flatline. Here’s what people are saying about Pulse.

PulseWilla Fitzgerald stars in Pulse

Audience reactions to Pulse

“Please stop getting AI to create these shows because this is the weirdest show I’ve ever seen,” writes one person on X. “It’s just people screaming and running around but you don’t actually care about anything they’re doing because the show is so all over the place. For what you’re charging people, do better.”

In particular, viewers are struggling with the convoluted story and confusing characters. “I’m sorry, but is Danny the victim or villain in Pulse? I’m so confused,” writes another X commenter.

“Falling short for me,” adds another person. “Couldn’t get through the first episode. Leads and characters are just flat.”

All ten episodes of Pulse released on Netflix on April 3, 2025. For some viewers, Pulse is simply a victim of bad timing – that is, following closely after acclaimed HBO medical drama The Pitt, which landed 9 January 2025.

Another person on X writes, “After watching The Pitt on HBO, I don’t think any medical show or movie will ever top it.”

What is Pulse About?

Netflix’s hospital-set drama follows the day-to-day lives of medical workers at Miami’s fictional Maguire Hospital. Unfolding over ten episodes, we witness the chaos of an emergency room, and the complicated lives of the people who work there.

One of the main characters is Danny, a third-year medical resident promoted after filing a sexual harassment claim against respected doctor Xander.

“We always endeavored to make Danny and Xander’s relationship a real, authentic look at a workplace romance,” Robyn tells Netflix Tudum. “Pulse shows the edges and pitfalls of their relationship — but also all the joyous moments of working a high-pressure job like this.”

Making matters worse is a hurricane. As the weather outside rages, Maguire Hospital staff prepare themselves for the mother of high-pressure scenarios.

Who is in Pulse?

Pulse stars Dr. Danielle ‘Danny’ Simms (Willa Fitzgerald), a third-year resident at Maguire Medical Center. She’s joined by Colin Woodell as Xander Phillips, Jack Bannon as Tom Cole, Jessie T. Usher as Sam Elijah, Justina Machado as Natalia Cruz, and Daniela Nieves as Camila Perez.

Will There Be Pulse Season 2?

Pulse Season 2 is not confirmed. With poor reviews from both critics and audiences alike for season one, the chances of a Pulse Season 2 are small.